6 Scientific Ways To Study Smarter | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

6 Scientific Ways To Study Smarter

Quick tips for a better study sesh.

159
6 Scientific Ways To Study Smarter
her campus

Heads up, my fellow UC students, finals are on the horizon.

It's time to batten down the hatches, put on your thinking helmets, and get down to business. But before you throw yourself into the fray, take a few moments to plan your attack. If you've partaken in some procrastination this quarter, you might feel overwhelmed, and tempted to just fling yourself into your work without any real system. This might work for cramming for quizzes, but with finals, it is probably a good idea to settle down and give yourself a solid set of objectives.

So, here are 5 tips and tricks to get that GPA right where you want it. With the help of science, we can get through this together!

1. Stop trying to multitask!

This one might be obvious, but I'll say it as many times as it takes. You might think you're killing the study game, when you are actually just wasting your time on SnapChat. A few university studies have shown that trying to multitask while studying results in poor memorization. So turn that phone off, and get out your notebook.

2. Exercise before studying.

Studies have shown that just an hour of aerobic exercise can improve brain processing speed. It also acts as a great de-stresser, and gets those endorphins pumping. A quick jog around the block or a thirty minute yoga sesh, whatever works to get you sweating before you study.

3. Switch up the material.

Study a bunch of different material in one sitting. This keeps you from falling into a slump, or getting too bored. It also lets you think strategically. For example, if you're doing math, don't just do a bunch of division problems in a row. Switch from division to multiplication to addition and subtraction, this way you have to actively think about the best way to solve the problem.

4. Quiz yourself.

It is all too easy to convince yourself you know the material without really putting yourself to the test. Taking quizzes makes you test how fast your recall is, and can do a lot to improve your confidence, and show you what you need to spend more time with.

5. Change up the scenery.

Studying in different locations wakes up your brain. Every time you move around, it forces your brain to make new connections with the material, and helps improve retention . An added benefit is that the repetition and redundancy of long-term studying is broken up by a quick change of location. So don't feel bad about bailing on your usual coffee-shop spot!

6. Take a few moments to collect yourself.

Most importantly, don't let yourself get caught up in a tornado of stress. Take a few breaths, do a quick stretch, or have a little break. Freaking out and cramming won't help you remember any better than not studying at all.

Now, go forth and conquer!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Relationships

20 Things You Forgot To Thank Your Mom For

Moms are super heroes dressed in yesterday's clothing and they deserve an award for that.

521
family
Facebook

Dear Mom,

You took care of me and my brothers our entire lives and you still continue to! I will not be able to truly grasp all of the hard work that you put into this family until I create my own one day. But, I know that there are plenty of times I forgot to give you a simple thank you or an appreciative smile. I thank you for everything that you have done for me and will continue to do for me. Here are some examples of those times where you had my back and I forgot to pat your back for saving me:

Keep Reading...Show less
pumpkin
Holytaco.com

College is hard. As people ages 18-22, we’re just trying to figure out what we’re doing with our lives, our careers, our eating habits, exercise routines, sleep patterns, and other necessities for adult life. We definitely don’t take proper care of ourselves; it’s basically impossible when we have essays, tests and readings due and somehow we’re supposed to eat right, exercise and sleep. We’re doomed to get sick. I have zero experience in science but when I get sick there are certain things I do to make myself better.

Keep Reading...Show less
Bob's Burgers
Hyannishyball

First of all, there is no shortage of fun when you're together.

And you often find yourselves entertaining each others terrible ideas.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

The Unwritten Rules Of "Talking"

What is "talking?" How does one "talk?"

8758
girl holding phone
NYCPRGIRLS

Now that it seems “talking” is the new way to date, and will stay that way until another idiotic term is used to describe the people who can’t settle down and just date someone, I feel as if it’s time to go over the unwritten rules of “talking.”

Rule 1. Having feeling without feeling.

Keep Reading...Show less
The Stages of Having FOMO in College
iamthatgirl.com

Are you one of those people that gets super upset when you miss out on anything? Well, you may have FOMO, or fear of missing out. In college it’s not hard to experience FOMO every once in a while. You just love doing everything and anything, so hen you have to miss out on something it's the worst possible thing in your mind. Whether you’re sick, have to work, or have so much work to do you could cry – FOMO will hit you hard in college.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments